Big Agnes Torchlight EXP 20F Down Sleeping Bag

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Spacious, adaptable, and comfortable, the Torchlight EXP 20F is built for sleepers who don’t want to feel boxed in.

Big Agnes says: 

Looking for a sleeping bag you can fully customize, for the most comfortable night’s sleep possible? The Torchlight EXP has you covered.

Easily adjust the Torchlight EXP’s fit to your individual sleep style and body shape, and change it up easily whenever you need! Patented expandable side panel design adds up to 10” / 25cm of space wherever you choose – shoulders, hips, feet or your whole body. Fully insulated with 650 Fill Downtek™ PFC-Free water-repellent down, this bag keeps you warm all over while the integrated PadLok™ Sleep System keeps you on your pad all night long.

Our Verdict

The standout feature of this bag is its expandable panels, which add up to 25cm of width, This adjustability completely changes the experience for side sleepers and anyone who moves about at night. Even partially unzipped, the panels relieve pressure without sacrificing structure, loft or warmth.

Warmth is dependable down to around 1°C, with the hydrophobic down and water-repellent fabrics keeping moisture at bay in damp conditions. The PadLok system does a great job of keeping the bag in place on your mat, while the pillow sleeve and well-shaped draft collar add to the comfort. At 1122g (Medium), it’s not trying to be ultralight, but for three-season backpacking where rest matters, the weight feels like a fair trade.

There is minor heat loss when the expansion panels are fully open, so colder nights may require a more conservative fit. However, if you are prioritising comfort, flexibility, and smart detailing, the Torchlight EXP remains one of the most user-friendly bags available.

– Reviewed by Ultralight Outdoor Gear

Features

• Down mummy bag featuring patented expandable design and the Big Agnes PadlokTM Sleep System with Cinch Pad Sleeve
• Two zippered panels run from shoulder to footbox adding 5 inches of additional girth to each side (10” total) when opened
• Dual zipper sliders on expandable panels allow you to unzip from top and bottom to give you multiple fit adjustment options
• Big Agnes PadlokTM Sleep System keeps your bag and pad con nected so you can sleep comfortably without rolling off your pad
• Cinch Pad Sleeve adjusts to securely fit a variety of pad sizes
• Contoured hood follows the shape of your head for a more comfortable fit
• Low-profile cordlock
• Insulated tube along upper hood opening seals out drafts when cinched
• 3D No-draft collar and no-draft zipper
• Pillow Barn attached to pad sleeve allows for natural head movement while keeping a pillow (or jacket) securely in place
• Zipper Garage
• Storage sack & stuff sack included

Specifications

Temperature Rating

Comfort: 1°C | 30°F
Comfort Limit: -7°C | 19°F

Regular

• Weight: 1122g
• Fits up to: 6’ / 183cm
• Fill Type: 650 Downtek™ PFC-Free
• Fill Weight: 510g
• Pad Sleeve: Cinch Pad Sleeve 
• Compressed Size: 24 x 28cm
• Stuff Sack Size: 23 x 51cm
• Stuff Sack Volume: 21L 

Long

• Weight: 1230g
• Fits up to: 6’ / 183cm
• Fill Type: 650 Downtek™ PFC-Free
• Fill Weight: 567g
• Pad Sleeve: Cinch Pad Sleeve 
• Compressed Size: 24 x 29cm
• Stuff Sack Size: 23 x 51cm
• Stuff Sack Volume: 21L 

Pad Size Needed

• Minimum: 20” x 72” / 51 x 183cm
• Maximum: 30”x 78”/ 76 x 198cm
• Rectangular shape recommended

Material & Construction

Fabric

• Shell: Recycled 20D polyester ripstop with PFAS-free water-repellent finish
• Lining: Recycled 20D polyester taffeta with PFAS-free water-repellent finish

Insulation/Construction

• 650 fill Downtek™ PFC-Free repels water while maintaining insulating value – bluesign® approved PFAS-free water-repellent chemistry
• Main Zipper: YKK #5
• Expanding Panel Zipper: YKK #3
• Baffled construction

Sustainability Notes

• This product contains 100% Certified RDS Down Certified by Control Union CERT 879262
• Downtek™ PFC-Free uses bluesign® approved PFAS-free water-repellent chemistry
• PFAS-free WR finish on fabrics
• Recycled fabrics

Help & advice:

• The Ultimate Guide to Lightweight Sleeping Bags
• Time-Saver Guide to Choosing a Sleeping Bag
• NEMO Equipment – Meet the Team
• About Nemo
• Nemo Video Resources
• Recycled Content in Outdoor Gear
• Sleeping Bag Shapes & Sizes
• Down Quality
• All About Down
• Hydrophobic Down
• Responsible Down Standard
• About Big Agnes
• Big Agnes Sleeping Bags Buying Guide
• All About Down